What your child learns
Judo built on falling safely first
Every class starts with breakfalls, then grip fighting, throws and groundwork — in that order, at a pace children can actually follow.
Judo is the throwing half of grappling, and it is one of the best structured sports a child can start. Kids learn balance, timing and how to control their own body before they ever try to control someone else's. Belt progression gives them something concrete to work toward, and the etiquette of the mat carries straight into how they behave off it.
Our kids Judo class runs Wednesday evenings at 5:45 PM for ages 7 to 14, and homeschool students train Judo on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM. Both are taught by the same coaching staff who train our competitors, so the technique is real — the room is just friendlier than most people expect.
- Kids Gi Judo — Wednesday, 5:45 PM, ages 7–14
- Homeschool Gi Judo — Wednesday, 10:00 AM
- Breakfalls drilled every class before throwing
- Students paired by size and experience
- Taught by a 3× Judo World Cup champion and IJF certified coach
- Free first class — no gi or gear needed
Find us
Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy
6290 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
863-888-0577Wed · 5:45 PM
Kids Gi Judo — ages 7–14
Wed · 10:00 AM
Homeschool Gi Judo
Questions
Kids Judo FAQs
What age can kids start Judo?
Kids Gi Judo runs for ages 7 to 14. Children aged 5 to 7 start in our Little Ninjas class and move up to Judo when they are ready.
When are kids Judo classes?
Kids Gi Judo is Wednesday at 5:45 PM. Homeschool students train Judo on Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM as part of the daytime block.
Who teaches Judo here?
Vadym Syniavskyi, a three-time Judo World Cup and Grand Prix champion, IJF Certified Coach and IJF Academy graduate with a Master's Degree in Physical Education, alongside Alex Blekherov, a Judo and BJJ black belt.
Is Judo safe for children?
Breakfalls are drilled in every class before any throwing, and children are paired by size and experience. Safety and control come before competition.
Do we need a Judo gi to start?
No. Come in a t-shirt and athletic shorts for the free first class. We will point you to the right uniform if your child continues.
Can kids train Judo and Jiu-Jitsu together?
Yes, and most do. Judo covers the throws and takedowns while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu covers the groundwork, and both run on the same weekly schedule.
New to grappling? How Judo and Jiu-Jitsu fit together · All kids classes
Start with a free trial class
Beginners welcome in every class. Come watch, or step on the mats — call 863-888-0577 and we'll help you pick the right class.